BEIJING  China is figuring out what do do with a mountain of electronic waste as more and more computers and other appliances find their way on to the garbage heap, the Xinhua news agency says.

"The number of televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, air-conditioners and computers in use in China neared 900 million in 2003. Of these, 28 million have reached retirement age," the agency said.

Manufacturers would be involved in the safe disposal of the waste and the state would provide funds and support, Xinhua said, quoting a draft from the State Development and Reform Commission.

"Lacking an effective way to reclaim and treat scrap electronic products not only results in huge waste of resources, but poses hazards to the environment and consumers," an official with the commission was quoted as saying.